A/N: Thanks to everyone for sticking with me this far. I know things have been slow for a while, but don't worry things are going to get much more interesting soon.

Anyway, here's the next chapter. I'm not sure I'm happy with the scene with Trunks, so I may change it later. And if that happens I may change the rest of the chapter as well. So if anyone has any suggestions, feel free to leave them in a review.

Chapter 13

"And there you have it" Kakashi said stepping back onto the stage. "Now, before we move on to the next round. Are there any questions?" Three hands were raised.

"Yes. Mr..."

"McMillan, sir. I was just wondering, will we be able to do all that?"

"That depends on you. Most people who use chakra to increase strength can only get about 5% of Sakura's strength. How much you are able to do depends entirely upon you."

"Oh" The excited murmuring died down to be replaced with a disappointed silence. It seemed that everybody had their hopes set on matching Sakura's strength.

"BUT IF YOU WORK HARD YOU CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING!" Lee shouted at the top of his lungs.

"YOSH!" Naruto agreed. "WE'LL TRAIN HARD AND SHOW THAT SNAKE BASTARD WHAT WE CAN DO!"

There was absolute silence in the wake of the 'youthful' display. Then, from his position at the wall, Harry snorted. All the fear, all the uncertainty, that Harry had felt ever since he learned that he was destined to destroy Voldemort, was washed away by that simple statement. Free from months of worry, Harry laughed. Laughed like he hadn't laughed in ages.

Harry couldn't help it. He had been worrying about that 'Snake bastard' for so long that he'd completely forgotten what it felt like to be carefree. But somehow, Naruto's simple declaration washed away the burden he'd been carrying ever since Dumbledore revealed the prophecy to him.

Harry's voice echoed through the vast silence that had taken residence in the hall. He could feel hundreds of eyes on him. Harry gasped, clutching at his aching sides, trying to laugh and breathe at the same time. Why was this so funny? Harry wondered as he fought for air. Why can't I stop laughing? No one else is laughing.

When Harry finally stopped laughing, he looked up into a myriad of concerned eyes.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked, trying to get heart-rate back to normal.

"Harry" Gohan said gently, an understanding smile lighting his features. "You're crying"

"What?" Harry asked, momentarily stunned. He reached up to his eyes. His cheeks were wet.

"Wha...? Why was I crying?"

"Alrigh' alrigh', nothin ta see here" Came a deep booming voice. The crowd parted as Hagrid's massive shape forced its way towards Harry. "Wha' ya lookin at?" Hagrid demanded fiercely. Immediately everyone turned their eyes back towards Kakashi.

"Thank you Hagrid" Harry said meekly. He felt very foolish now that he'd stopped laughing.

"N' problem, 'Arry" Hagrid said as he sat down next to his favorite student. They sat in awkward silence for a few seconds.

"Hagrid? What are you doing here?"

"Jus' doin' me rounds" Hagrid said, as though that explained everything. "Though' I might see how ya were getting along, here with all the dueling an everythin'. Reckon it'll be a big help then?"

"I'm not part of the dueling club." Harry said, wincing as he tried to sit up. He kept forgetting that he needed to use his ki to move.

"What! I'd thought ye'd be tryin' ye' best to learn new tricks after everythin' ye've been through."

"I'm training him" Gohan explained from Harry's other side.

"An Dumbledore reckons yeh can do a better job than Kakawhatshisname?" Hagrid asked.

"I'm not sure what's going in Dumbledore's mind. But in any event, he asked me to train Harry." Gohan said simply. Hagrid laughed.

"No one knows what goes on in his head. Brillian' man Dumbledore. But I saw the firs' fight. If ye can teach more than they can, then ye must really be somethin' te see." Gohan treated the half-giant to the Son grin.

"I've won my share of fights".

"Look they're starting the next match." Harry said while his arm twitched ineffectually. Gohan guessed that Harry tried to point towards the stage. Perhaps the weights were a tad heavy, Harry looked like he was ready to pass out... Nah, he can take it... I think.

***

Neji let his sharp gaze drift over the sea of faces surrounding the stage. The students had broken out of their stupor and were eagerly asking Kakashi questions, though occasional glances were still thrown towards the Potter boy.

Neji smirked. He knew exactly what had happened to Potter. He'd been set free. Neji could still remember the first time Naruto had set him free. He felt like laughing and crying at the same time too. Of course he had the dignity to suppress the urge... but then, not everyone could be as strong as a Hyuuga.

Still, he had to hand it to Harry. The boy surprised him. The weight of the future of this world rested on his shoulders, and he carried it remarkably well. Perhaps if he could be trained, he might make an excellent Hokage.

But first he needed to be separated from Gohan. As a ninja, Neji had learned to trust his instincts. And his instincts were screaming to him that Gohan was dangerous. And the fact that he was a ki user, was not helping.

Ki user. Neji rolled the word around in his head in disgust. Its been proven time and again. There is only one thing ki is good for: Saishyuu Saigo no Waza. An enormously powerful attack that ignited all the user ki, resulting in a single massive explosion capable of taking out something as large as an entire arena.

Of course no one wanted to sacrifice themselves for the so called 'ultimate' attack. So children were raised and brainwashed since they could walk and then trained how to ignite their ki. Neji found the thought of using children in such a way disgusting. But the fact that boy he was charged to protect was sitting next to someone who had been trained to self destruct was making him very uneasy. If it wasn't for Dumbledore's insistence that Gohan was going to play a vital role, he would have demanded that the ki user be removed from the castle.

But, perhaps the castle's magic could contain even the dreaded ki attack. But Neji would prefer if he didn't have to find out.

"Neji-kun" Sakura asked softly, bringing him out of his reverie.

"Yes... Sakura" Neji said, knowing that he'd been caught staring at Harry.

"We need to talk." She said softly. Neji nodded in agreement.

"Follow me" Neji said simply, leading her off the stage to an open corner at the back of the room.

***

Hinata nervously followed Lee up onto the stage. Stepping around the hole Sakura created, Hinata turned to face her self-assured opponent. Hinata gulped.

He seems so confident! Hinata noticed. And why wouldn't he be. He's only going up against me, and I'm not even allowed to use my Juuken!

"HINATA!" Naruto shouted energetically. "KICK HIS ASS!"

"HEY! WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON!" Lee screamed back at his blond friend.

"BAKA. HINATA'S MY TEAM MATE! WHY WOULD I BE ON YOUR SIDE?"

"BUT AS YOUTHFUL MEN, WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER!" Lee complained.

"HINATA'S WAY MORE AWESOME THAN YOU!" Naruto shouted back.

Hinata felt her face growing hot with what must be a furious blush. He thinks I'm awesome? The thought seemed to echo through her mind. Filling her with strength.

"Ano..." Hinata tentatively intejected the shouting match. "Lets do our best Lee-kun"

"YOSH!" Lee agreed. "LET'S FIGHT WITH THE FULL POWER OF YOUTH!"

Kakashi looked disinterestedly between the two fighters.

"Are you ready?" Hinata and Lee both nodded, dropping into their respective stances.

"Then... BEGIN!" Kakashi yelled again stepping off the stage.

Hinata scanned Lee's stance for openings. It wasn't difficult. With his one arm behind his back and the other straight in front, it seemed that there wasn't may parts of his body he was defending, let alone weaknesses. But, she knew that Lee's terrific speed more than made up for those openings.

Lee didn't waste another second. Having formulated a basic plan of attack he stormed down on the younger kunoichi.

Eep! Here he comes! Hinata thought nervously. No! Concentrate! I spent hours practicing. I can do this.

Lee's first punch missed its target as Hinata leaned backwards, sending the appendage sailing over her. Before Lee had a chance to pull back his extended arm, she lightly tapped his arm in three

places.

Lee's eyes widened. If she had been allowed to use her Juuken, that would have completely disabled his arm.

"You'll have to do better than that Lee-kun." She said with a small smile as she straightened herself.

"Forgive me Hinata, I've been underestimating you. I won't hold back anymore." Hinata turned slightly paler than she was usually. But stood her ground, determined to do her best.

Lee's next assault was three times as fast nearly breaking through Hinata's defenses. Hinata's hands were a constant blur as she fought to deflect the furious onslaught. Every few hits a blow would make its way past Hinata's hands, forcing her to lean out of the way.

Inch by inch, Hinata was forced backwards. And Lee isn't even getting worn out. Hinata realised with dismay.

Then, Lee made a mistake...

It was such a small mistake that Hinata wasn't even sure it was a mistake. He threw a punch a few ounces too hard, pushed it a millimeter to far and pulled it back a millisecond too late.

But that was all the gap Hinata needed.

She leaned forward and before Lee could bring his arm back, lightly tapped his torso three times. Unfortunately her Juuken stance did not lend her the power to do any significant damage.

Lee simply ignored her 'taps' and leaped into the air.

"KONOHA SENPUU!" He yelled as he swung his foot round in an almighty kick aimed at the pale kunoichi's head. She deftly ducked underneath his foot, but Lee swung around faster than anyone could believe possible initiating a second, lower kick.

Hinata knew what was going to happen before it did... She was trapped to the ground, there was no way she would be able to dodge or deflect this blow. She was forced to block.

Lee's tremendous hit smashed through her block, completely knocking her of the stage.

Hinata fought to remain conscious as she sailed through the air. Such power. She thought helplessly. She had the presence of mind to twist herself at the last second, landing on all fours. But the force of Lee's kick sent her skidding backwards into the minefield of broken rocks that Sakura had created in her own battle.

Hinata stood up shakily. Her arms throbbed painfully. If she hadn't expelled chakra from the pores in her arms at the last second they would probably have broken under the tremendous kick. Ugly bruises were already forming on each arm.

She could tell the school was in shock. As far as they could tell, Hinata had only lightly touched Lee, almost playfully. In return he was beating the small girl with everything he had. They think that its because I don't want to hit him hard, she realized. But rather, its because I can't. Neji never trained me how to fight without the Juuken.

Looking at the broken rock scattered about her, Hinata formed a plan. She allowed a small smile to light up her delicate features. It was time to attack back.

Lee stood there for a second confused. He'd been certain that his konoha senpuu would be enough to finish the fragile looking girl. Perhaps there was more to Hinata-chan than he had originally thought. He was brought out of his reverie by a fist sized chunk of rock that hurtled towards him. He quickly leaned to the left allowing the dangerous projectile to pass him.

This fight was obviously far from over.

Lee once again ran full speed towards the kunoichi. Hinata immediately sprang into action. She stepped on one of the chunks of rock that littered the floor. She launched a kick, with the rock

still stuck to her foot. With the precision timing of a Hyuuga, she cut of the chakra to her foot, sending the rock soaring towards Lee.

But her assault didn't stop there. As soon as the chunk of granite was released, she performed a back flip, landing with her hands on two more chunks of rock. Before she could begin to lose her balance she bounced up launching both chunks towards her senpai.

Gohan watched, entranced as he saw the kunoichi dance through the fields of rock. Every move was planned to precision. She rolled, flipped, twisted and spun through the rocky chunks. Each time either her hand or foot came into contact with another piece, it stuck until she could launch it at Lee.

It was completely different to the kind of combat Gohan was used to...

Gohan was used to fights being fast, brutal and hard. But this was something else. Every move was precisely choreographed, fluidly blending into the next, so that he couldn't tell where one move ended and the next began. It was so smooth, so beautiful that Gohan couldn't help but admire the kunoichi's movement.

But the result was clear: Rock after rock hurtled towards Lee, who had already let three through his defenses. He was probably going to be carrying those bruises for a long time.

Just before the charging Lee reached his target, Hinata put her hands together in a seal.

"BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!" A poof of smoke later revealed six identical Hinatas running in separate directions.

Lee looked confused from the one Hinata to the other. Eventually making up his mind, he shot after the nearest Hinata.

A massive chunk of rock smashed into his back just as his own fist passed harmlessly through the bunshin. Lee turned around just in time to catch the second chunk. He paused for a second before shooting after the next Hinata.

He faked a punch towards the kunoichi and swung around instantly catching the rock before it could smash into him. Without looking back he smashed his elbow into the clone, which passed through the clone harmlessly. His suspicions confirmed, he shot towards the next clone.

The next Hinata he reached was smiling at him, confidently waiting for him. He again faked a punch a swung around to catch… nothing.

Lee realized it a second too late.

But by the time he had swung around to face the 'real' Hinata, she had tapped his torso seven times.

Lee paled. If the kunoichi had been allowed to use her Juuken, those blows would have been more than enough to take him out of the fight.

But as it were, Lee simply ignored her soft taps, and opened a barrage of punches, much harder than before, easily smashing through Hinata's weary defenses. He landed three punches to every tap the Hyuuga gave him.

Within minutes the girl standing in front of him had been reduced to a bruised, bloody mess. Lee couldn't help but admire the kunoichi. She was a lot tougher than he gave her credit for. The fact that she was still standing was amazing in itself. And she still managed to land the occasional, albeit futile, tap.

But why? He wondered. Why is she continuing to fight like this? She must know she can't win.

Then he saw it.

It was just for an instant. Gone before he registered it. But he'd seen it. Hinata's eyes flicked towards Naruto. So that's it. He realized. She's fighting for Naruto...

A final uppercut knocked the young heiress completely off her feet. It would be a miracle if she got up after that hit, Lee thought. But sure enough, she twitched. And then, slowly, she started to move.

Lee watched patiently as the battered girl slowly fought to get back onto her feet.

It was clear to everyone that she had lost. She could barely stand, and despite all the hits she managed to land, Lee was barely affected by her attacks. She hung her head in defeat. At least Neji was still dangerous without his Juuken. But it was painfully obvious to the kunoichi that she was useless without her signature attack.

Lee raised his hand.

"I give up!" He declared loudly. "Hinata wins."

"Wh…What?" Hinata stuttered.

"If you could have used your gentle fist, then you would have easily won this fight." Lee explained.

"...but... but Lee-kun" Hinata complained. "You were wearing you weights the whole time. If you had taken them off, I wouldn't have stood a chance."

"Yes. But you kept fighting even though you knew you couldn't beat me. That is VERY YOUTHFUL!" Lee exclaimed loudly. Gohan could have sworn he saw little flames in the ninja's eyes.

"Lee?" Kakashi asked, "Is that your final decision?"

"Yes sensei." Lee said with certainty.

"Very well. LEE FORFEITS! HINATA WINS BY DEFAULT!"

There was a shocked silence in the hall as the two friends slowly made their way to the back of the hall where Neji and Sakura were busy whispering together. A boy had just viciously pummeled a girl until she looked like a she went through a meat grinder, and then the two walk off chatting as though nothing had happened.

Gohan shuddered at the thought of what his mother would do if he ever beat a girl like that. It just seemed completely contrary to everything he'd been taught since he was three. Despite the fact that his own mother was a vicious fighter, she had drilled it into him that girls were soft creatures and that he was to treat them gently no matter what they did.

But then, isn't that what it came down to? That they would be taught to defend themselves 'By any means necessary?'.

Suddenly Gohan wasn't so thrilled about these fights anymore.

***

"Are you sure it started at your first Defense Against the Dark Arts meeting?" Neji whispered back to Sakura.

"Yes. I remember walking out of that class thinking that Gohan must be up to something. And I'm sure I trusted him before then."

"This is bad. I've experienced the same thing in my first DADA class. Someone may be trying to tamper with our thoughts."

"Is that even possible?"

"This is a magical world. Anything is possible here." Neji remained silent for a few seconds. "Did you learn anything about Gohan during your class? You had your first Muggle Studies class yesterday."

"You don't think that Gohan was the one that made us suspicious of him do you?" Sakura said, voice rising a few decibels.

"Shh..." He silenced her. "Keep your voice down!" He urged.

"No, I don't." Neji admitted. "But I think whoever planted those doubts may be trying to help us." The Jounin explained.

"But why would they? They could just tell us directly."
"Not if they think we wouldn't listen to them or if they couldn't talk to us directly."

"That's ludicrous! You can't trust someone who tampers with your thoughts more than Gohan!"

"But Gohan is a KI USER" Neji whispered exacerbated. "Maybe they just want us to keep an eye on him."

"Hey guys" Hinata said softly, leaning on Lee. The two ninja looked up at Hinata annoyed at the interruption. But their features softened when they saw Hinata's bruised face.

"Here, let me patch you up." Sakura offered. "Lie down over here" Sakura indicated an open space on the floor next to her.

"What were you guys talking about?" Hinata asked asked as she lied down.

"Gohan. We think someone's been manipulating our thoughts about him. We both started mistrusting him after our first DADA lessons." Sakura explained

"That's funny Sakura-chan." Lee said thoughtfully. "I wouldn't have noticed it if you hadn't mentioned it. But the same thing happened to me."

"But how is that even possible?" Hinata asked meekly as Sakura tended to her bruises.

"That's what we're trying to figure out." The pink haired kunoichi answered gently.

"But if it happened in all of our DADA classes, then the only constants are Snape and the dungeon." Neji said thoughtfully. "So either Snape is manipulating our thoughts, or the room's magic is affecting us."

"Or someone is using the room to tamper with our thoughts." Lee Suggested.

"But Dumbledore trusts Snape." Hinata said on the verge of falling asleep under Sakura's gentle healing. There was silence for a few seconds, as the ninja considered her statement.

"I think" Neji said eventually. "That we'll need to be more careful of what we're thinking. There is no telling what else they can do with our thoughts if we aren't careful. But at the same time, a few suspicions aren't going to hurt us. And I still feel that we should keep an eye on Gohan. We never know, perhaps whoever is doing this is trying to help us." The others nodded their agreement. It wouldn't hurt the young teacher if someone was to keep an eye on him.

"Ano..." Hinata whispered, "But maybe there's a way we can test both the person who is manipulating us and Gohan at the same time."

"What are you suggesting Hinata?" Lee asked seriously.

"I've made some friends in Hufflepuff." Hinata explained. "The third years are doing Boggarts."

"What does that have to do with Gohan-kun?" Neji said impatiently.

"Well, apparantly a boggart shows you your biggest fear. If we could find one, maybe we could find out what Gohan is afraid of."

"Yes, but how would that tell us if Gohan's on our side or not?" Sakura asked.

"... I don't know" Hinata admitted eventually.

"No, I think you're on to something." Neji said thoughtfully. "He's obviously feeling guilty about something. Maybe the boggart will show us what he's afraid of doing. Or what he's afraid of doing again."

"I don't know..." Sakura said eventually. "This seems like a very shaky plan to me. Perhaps we should wait a bit."

"Do you have any better ideas?" Neji asked flatly.

"I think... No, I don't." Sakura admitted

"Then its agreed?"

"...Agreed" Sakura sighed in defeat.

"Hey guys!" Naruto shouted as soon as he was within earshot. When the shinobi looked up they saw Naruto carrying Tenten, who by the looks of things had been knocked out competely. "What did you think of my awesome fight?"

"...?" Sakura said.

"...!" Lee said.

"...?" Neji said.

"...!" Hinata said. All in all, the silence was deafening. Not even Naruto could misread that atmosphere.

"WHAAAT! YOU DIDN'T EVEN WATCH MY FIGHT!"

***

Gohan took of his shoes and let his feet drift in the water. He shuffled around until his back was comfortable against the tree, and took out Hogwarts: A History. It was so peaceful here, he thought as he gazed out over the beautiful lake. It reminded him of the waterfall he and Piccolo used to train at.

Has it really been eight years? he wondered. How is it that he could have aged so much, and still be so young? Perhaps it just came down to his early start...

The past two days had passed fairly smoothly for Gohan. The only ones who had tried to attack him so far had been second and third years, who all seemed to favor a direct approach. They seemed to have been emboldened by the shinobi's demonstration fights, as the attacks became far more frequent after that.

But Gohan was worried. He was certain the senior Slytherins would have attacked him before now. They were obviously planning something. And the more time they took to do it, the more nervous he got. But... its only been two days he reasoned. They couldn't possibly trap a Super Saiyan with only two days planning... Could they?

Despite Kakashi's promise, they still had to hold rounds two and three. The first round had used up the time that they had been given for the first meeting. But Gohan suspected that they had planned it that way. Now that word had spread of the Sakura's awesome strength and Lee and Hinata's speed, it seemed that almost all the students would be attending the next meeting to watch the finale.

He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that Gohan didn't notice six magical energies converging on him.

"Hey Gohan, what are you reading?" He looked up from his book. It was Harry. Judging by his only slighty bent posture, the boy was getting used to his weights. At this rate Gohan would be able to train Harry again. He hadn't had another session with the boy since he told Harry to wear the weights permanently.

"Hello." Gohan replied in greeting. "Just reading Hogwarts: A History, its rather fascinating."

"I know, but I just wish I could get these two dunderheads to read it." Hermoine said given the other two a reproachful glare. "It would save me a lot of explaining."

"So, can I help you guys?" Asked the young Professor.

"No, we're just enjoying the fresh air until our classes starts. We've got off until the three. You?" Ron answered.

"Trying to catch up." Gohan explained. "There's a lot of reading I have to get through before Monday."

"Really?" Hermoine asked intrigued. "What's going to happen on Monday?"

"I'm going to start with the class project. Everyone from third year to seventh year is going to be working on it."

"Wow" Harry said appreciatively. "It must be some project."

"It is." Gohan said grinning. "But I don't want to spoil the surprise." Gohan said turning his attention back to his book.

"Hey, haven't you already read Hogwarts: A History? I thought I saw it on your desk when you invited me into your room." Harry asked.

"Yes." Gohan agreed. "Very astute of you Harry. But I'm trying to see how we can incorporate magic into the project."

"Like? What kind of magic?" Hermoine asked.

"I'm afraid that I can't tell you that without giving away part of the surprise. You'll just have to wait till Monday's class." Gohan said apologetically. "Hey, come to think of it, I'm seeing you today."

Hermoine smile slid off her face like hot wax.

"Don't remind me" She groaned.

"So?" He asked gently. "Have you made up your mind about Sixteen yet?"

Hermoine looked down at her feet, somewhat ashamed. She hadn't thought of Sixteen since before the dueling tournament. Gohan looked at her sympathetically.

"Don't worry, you'll understand soon." Hermoine only gave a shadow of a nod, still staring determinedly at her feet.

"Was it really that bad?" Harry asked.

"Perhaps I could've started the year slightly more gently." Gohan said apologetically. "But I've never been around people my own age before, so its hard for me to understand what you're ready for."

"Is it true? Are you really a muggle?" Gohan turned around. The speaker was a blond boy who was being flanked by two huge Slytherins. He heard Harry swearing under his breath.

"Go away Malfoy. No one asked you." Harry said coldly.

"Oh yeah. Or what, you're going to protect your vulnerable little muggle from the big bad Malfoy."

"He's far from vulnerable. He's under Dumbledore's protection." As soon as Hermoine said that, Harry wished that she hadn't.

"Yes! That's the only kind of security muggles will ever have, being protected by those who can actually do something!"

Hermoine turned blue with rage, but seemed to be unable to think of a reply. But she didn't need to, Gohan got up from his tree and walked towards Malfoy. If he had even an inkling of fear, he hid it well. "I hope he knows what he's doing." Hermoine said nervously.

"Malfoy listen to me." Gohan said so softly that Harry barely heard it over the wind. "Hatred will destroy everything you hold dear. Don't let it get a hold over you."

"YOU DARE TO LECTURE ME!"

"Malfoy" he said, still using the same gentle tone. "You've got to let go of you're hatred. Don't make the same mistake I did."

"DON'T SPEAK TO ME, FILTH!" Malfoy screamed, taking out his wand.

"Malfoy!" Gohan's tone was hard and cold. Nothing like the gentle tone he used before. "You mistake my kindness for weakness. That would be a dangerous mistake to make. You don't have to like me. But as a teacher at Hogwarts, you will respect me. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes Siiiir" He said stretching out the word mockingly. But Gohan didn't seem to notice and smiled happily.
"Thank you" And started to walk back to his tree.

Harry didn't even have time to think. The next thing he knew a spell shot through the space Gohan occupied a split second ago. Only later did Harry understand he leaned to the side. Faster than he could blink Gohan spun around and back handed Malfoy across the face. The sound of bone breaking echoed like a gunshot over the empty grounds. And then Malfoy lost consciousness.

Crabbe and Goyle stood there for a while, looking stupidly at each other, then having reached some silent agreement, they both lunged at Gohan. Harry couldn't see what Gohan did but the result was clear. They both dropped unconscious next to Malfoy.

Gohan looked from their bodies, eyes full of pain. He never liked hurting other people.

"What do you say we take these guys to the infirmary?" Harry, Ron and Hermoine looked at each other shocked.

"You want to what? They attacked you! You don't have to help them" Ron said aghast

"Unfortunately what I told Mr. Malfoy was true, despite my age and non-magical heritage, I am a professor at Hogwarts, and as such I have a responsibility towards Mr. Malfoy, as much as I do towards you three. Besides," he added with a smile. "I can't go around knocking everyone out who accepts my challenge."

Harry was the first to get out his wand. A minute later Crabbe and Goyle were hanging suspended in mid air in front of Harry and Ron's wands. Gohan had opted to carry Malfoy himself and effortlessly picked up the much larger boy.

"So, uhm, which way is the infirmary?"

As they were walking Hermoine decided to use the time to question the young professor.

"What did you mean when you said Malfoy shouldn't make your mistakes?"

"I'm sorry. But I'm not ready to talk about that yet. Perhaps someday I'll tell you the story."

"Oh, okay." She said looking down, afraid that she spoiled the mood and wouldn't get anymore answers out of the mysterious youth.

"Can I ask something else."

"Certainly"

"What happened between you and Snape?"

"What makes you think something happened between me and Professor Snape?" Gohan corrected.

"He was glaring at you all morning at breakfast. And its not the first time either. He's been doing that ever since you've started here. He doesn't even glare at Harry like that. You must have really done something to get him that mad at you."

"Oh. He he" He laughed sheepishly. "Well, I had an accident in my room on the first night here, and... well... I accidentally caused his roof to collapse. I think he was taking a bath at the time."

Harry and Ron froze. Looked at each other. Blinked twice. Three times. And burst into raucous laughter. The laughed so hard that Crabble and Goyle were dropped unceremoniously from the air. Gohan waited patiently for a few minutes while the two older boys clutched their sides, trying to breath and laugh at the same time.

"Its not THAT funny" He said in the same serious tone that made him seem like a small adult.

"Your... right... its... not... funny..." Ron gasped, "its... hilarious!"

"You wouldn't think it was so funny if you saw him" Gohan said seriously, "He was full of cuts and bruises, not to mention filthy."

"Come to think of it" Gohan added thoughtfully,"He contrasted rather violently with his pristine pink bath towel."

At that Ron and Harry burst into laughter all over again.

"Did you have to do that?" Hermoine said exasperated. "Now they're never going to stop."

"Guys, I have work to do, so if you don't mind, lets keep moving." With great effort, Harry and Ron both levitated Crabbe and Goyle from the ground and continued following after Hermoine still snickering at the mental image.

Hermoine, for her part, was feverishly processing everything she learned from Gohan. There were way to many things that didn't add up. Why did Dumbledore hire a muggle for one thing. How did he move that quickly? Why was he already looking for work, when he was only thirteen? Why did Dumbledore give him such a glowing introduction? What did he mean when he said 'Don't make the same mistake I did'? How did he vanish like that in the great hall? And just what happened to make him this mature? Just how quickly had he been forced to grow up?

Hermoine made a silent vow to unravel the enigma that was Son Gohan...

Madam Pomfrey was less than happy to find out that the new teacher had knocked out three students, breaking one of their jaws. But calmed down ever so slightly when Harry told her that Malfoy was trying to hex Gohan while his back was turned. But she still went about her work muttering about teachers resorting to violence.

"When Mr. Malfoy wakes up, please tell him he's got a detention. For disrespecting a teacher." And with that, Gohan left the helpless three in the capable hands of Madam Pomfrey.

"So, do you know what you're going to make Malfoy do yet? For his detention I mean." Ron asked they walked back to the Lake, still snickering at the mental image of Snape in a pink bath towel.
"Yes. I think he'll help me with Monday's class. He's going to help me explain why muggles are equal to wizards."

The trio shot looks towards each other. All of them thinking the same thing. I hope he never gives me a detention. He really knows how to hit a guy where it hurts.

***

Trunks soared high above ground. He had been flying out almost everyday since he heard about the plan to attack London. It didn't take him long to find London, and he spent most of everyday waiting for the inevitable attack against the 'muggle' settlement. He would be damned if he stood by while another world was destroyed by monsters.

Trunks closed his eyes, trying to rub out the grainy feel behind his eyeballs. He really needed to get some sleep. He looked at his watch. It read 2:45 am. If they haven't attacked by now, they probably wouldn't attack before sunrise, he could get at least a few hours sleep before returning to his watch.

The demi-saiyan was just about turn back when he saw it: A thick mist, slowly rolling down the hills towards the unsuspecting suburbs.

The warrior slowly lowered himself towards the ceiling of the mist, contemplating his options. The mist swirled around his feet as the teen readied a ki blast in his hand. It was now or never. Suddenly an all too familiar chill crept up his spine. A chill that had nothing to do with the cold air surrounding him.

Trunks plummeted from the air, completely lost in pain. Piccolo, his father, Gohan. All their deaths passed before his eyes. He was only vaguely aware of hitting the ground. He could see Gohan's mangled body lying infront of him. In that one foul stroke he had lost his friend, his mentor, his guide, his protector and his hope. There was nothing left... Nothing but destruction.

Trunks screamed as the pain of a hard lifetime passed through his body. Then, as suddenly as it came, the feeling was gone. Trunks allowed himself to relax on the cold grass, emotionally exhausted. What could do that to a saiyan? Trunks wondered looking up at the stars drifting above him.

Wait a minute. Stars? Didn't I fall into mist?

"NO! Don't tell me I lost consciousness again!" He screamed frantically. He jumped up, throwing open his senses. And immediately detected the large ki that obviously belonged to giants.

Looking around Trunks could see that he was standing in the yard of a double story house. It was intact. Thank Kami I'm not too late! Trunks thought. He was just about to blast towards the ki when he noticed that there was a golden glow reflected on the windows of the house.

It took him a moment to recognize that he was the source of light. I've transformed! Trunks realized. So that's why the pain stopped. Apparently those things can't hurt a Super Saiyan.

Now that he was wrapped in the familiar and, apparently, safe power. I was hunting time...

***

"He's getting up" Hinata said, watching Gohan through her Byakugan. "Now he's walking back to the castle."

"What entrance is he going to use?" Sakura asked, carrying the enormous closet as it rattled threateningly.

"Uhm... Main entrance." Hinata said.

"What!" Tenten exclaimed. "I'm not ready yet! Naruto go buy us some time!" The blond ninja immediately darted off towards the main entrance.

"Come on!" Sakura complained. "This thing is getting heavy! How much longer is this going to take?"

"Hey! I can't help it. He put some kind of shield against his door. Neji see if you can do something about this shield."

"Byakugan" Neji activated his Kekkai Genkai. "Its made up out of some kind of energy. Not quite chakra... I think its ki!" He exclaimed.

"But that's impossible!" Tenten almost shouted. "Ki is far too unstable to be used like that!"

"Tenten, we have to accept the fact that this isn't our world anymore. Neither is it Gohan's. For all we know he could be much better at using ki than anyone in our dimension." Neji explained.

"I know that. But ki is just so... explosive. Its hard to imagine anyone being able to force ki into a shape, much less a stable shape. And this shield had to have been standing here ever since he left his room!"

"As fascinating as this conversation is, do you think you could break the shield already! This thing doesn't carry itself you know!" Sakura yelled, still holding up the enormous closet.

"You could always put it down" Neji said flatly.

"Oh" Sakura replied, putting down the closet gently.

"Stand back. I'm going to try and ignite it." Neji explained.

"What! You're going to blow the door off its hinges!" Sakura exclaimed.

"Yeah" Tenten agreed. "It'll be complete giveaway if he comes back to find his door is missing!"

"He's going to know something's up anyway, when he comes back and his shield is gone. Not to mention the small fact that a large closet will mysteriously have appeared in his room!" Neji said, starting to loose his temper. "And do you have any better ideas?" The girls looked at each other silently.

"I thought so. Now stand back. That goes for you too Hinata." The three girls quickly hurried around the corner, waiting for the inevitable BANG. It never came. Slowly Tenten edged back towards Neji. The Jounin was looking at the door with a puzzled expression on his face.

"What happened?" Tenten asked tentatively.

"Its burning." Neji explained. "But very slowly. Its more like its evaporating than burning. I have no idea what Gohan did to make this shield. But he took one of the most explosive energies in the universe and made it incredibly stable."
"But how is that possible?" Sakura asked as she arrived next to Tenten.

"I don't know. I guess all we can do now is wait for the shield to burn itself up completely. And at the rate its burning, that may take a while..."

A/N: And there you have it: The winners of the first round are Neji, Hinata and Naruto. Who will win in the second round?

Trunks is about to attack the army of Lord Voldemort. How will he fair?

And the shinobi are breaking into Gohan's room. What will they find? Will they be caught? And just how is Naruto going to delay Gohan?

FIND OUT NEXT TIME ON EXPECTATIONS!

P.S. I know that many of you want Gohan to fight in the tournament. Unfortunately that's not going to happen. I've got bigger plans for Gohan. There's going to be a long fight scene with Gohan at the quidditch game in the next chapter or two, so don't worry. The school is going to know about Gohan's phenomenal skills soon enough...

P.P.S. Until now, a large portion of each chapter came from work I've already written. But now that I've reached the end of that material, things are probably going to read a little more smoothly from now on.